Infiniti QX80

February 25, 2014|BY JIM MACPHERSON

If nothing else, the Infiniti QX80 serves as a reminder that there are folks who like their vehicles big, roomy, powerful and luxurious. The Infiniti QX80 possesses all of these qualities. It’s a substantial sport utility vehicle. However, it places the emphasis on utility and luxury, rather than sport.

For 2014, the major change to the vehicle is its name. The QX80 was known as the QX56 last year, the numbers serving to reference the 5.6-liter displacement of its massive V-8 engine. Infiniti is in the process of separating models names from engine size, a precursor to adopting smaller, but still powerful engines in the future.

As for the QX80, the performance delivered by the 400-horsepower, 5.6-liter V-8 engine, seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system are exemplary. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive, which was included on the QX80 my wife Paula and I drove, is an option. Our review vehicle sprinted to 60 miles per hour in 6.9 seconds. The last time we had a QX for review, we averaged 14.8 miles per gallon on the recommended premium fuel. This time out, during a bitterly cold and entirely too snowy week, our review QX80 went only 12 miles per gallon. However, each mile was supremely comfortable.

The list of standard safety equipment is long. It includes an around-view camera system that has the potential to eliminate blind spots to the front, rear and sides.

Other highlights include a navigation system with integral traffic and weather warnings. It can even access the Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide, in the event hunger pains strike during travels in unfamiliar territory.

Adding to the QX80’s safety features was the Technology Package with its full-speed intelligent cruise control, blind spot warning and intervention, lane departure warning and prevention, backup collision intervention, intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning and active bi-xenon headlamps. Add the Theater Package, Deluxe Touring Package and 22-inch wheels and before you know it, the $65,445 starting price on our vehicle worked its way up to $79,095.

For that lofty sum, a buyer ends up with an extremely comfortable interior. The seats are supportive, roomy and fit for all-day excursions in the front and second rows. Our review vehicle had seating for seven, which meant the second row had individual seats for two. A three-person bench, which raises the passenger count to eight, is an option for the second row. The three-person third row isn’t too appealing for adults, but better than many of the third rows offered in competitors. The third-row seats feature power folding at the push of a button.

The ride is serenely comfortable and quiet. The handling reflects the vehicle’s weight and size. Straight-line stability is not an issue. Cornering agility is. Pressing the QX80 through a turn, an action that few buyers probably ever contemplate, much less attempt, reveals that there is only so much that can be done with a massive vehicle that weighs nearly three tons. More important is the QX80’s ability to tow an 8,500-pound trailer when properly equipped.

The Infiniti QX80 undeniably targets a small market that prizes room, comfort, luxury and utility. It does so at a price, both in terms of purchase and fuel costs. However, it definitely delivers the goods for buyers who have the need, the desire and the budget for such a vehicle.

Paula Says

The 2014 Infiniti QX80 has tons of space. It’s almost roomy beyond what most people would ever need. However, accessing that space can be a problem.

If you’re a shorter adult or a child, getting in requires a climb. The grab handles and running boards played a significant role in my ability to get in and out of the passenger cabin. In addition to the height, the sill, counting the running board, is wide. Getting in or out after driving on slushy roads while wearing light-colored slacks could lead to a fashion and dry cleaning disaster.

However, the QX80 becomes manageable once you are seated. The steering wheel is big and heated, a nice touch this winter. Power tilt and telescoping action for the steering wheel is standard equipment. On most roads, you can quickly forget how big this car is.

The instrument panel is clear. The controls for the infotainment functions, the audio system and even climate control can be distracting.

The interior is huge. A “shop ‘til you drop” trip could probably exhaust most folks’ credit limits before the QX80 runs out of storage space. The power tailgate simplifies access at the rear and a power third-row seat is a blessing.